Cheapest place in town, a block or so from the central plaza. Don Mario, hospedaje owner and well known business leader in Altagracia, deeply cares for his guests, and will sit you down give you honest prices and help you plan your stay on the island no matter where you want to go. Great first stop for a trip to Ometepe.</sleep>

Revision as of 05:21, 16 October 2013

Isla de Ometepe

Isla de Ometepe's name derives from the Nahuatl words ome (two) and tepetl (mountain), meaning two mountains. An island in Lake Nicaragua in the country of Nicaragua, Ometepe is one of the country´s must-see. These twin volcanic islands are a remote escape located in the middle of Lago de Nicaragua. There are only a few small settlements on the island, along with a number of small coffee plantations.

El Ceibo museum, a privately owned collection of pre-columbian artifacts discovered on an old tobacco plantation on the island. The museum includes the country's largest currency collection at the time of April 2012.

Understand

Talk

Get in

You can get to the islands main port (Moyogalpa) by boat or ferry from San Jorge near Rivas for about 2-3 USD. There is also a tourist tax of 10 cordobas to pay on departure. (Mar 2012) There are plenty of hotels and restaurants within walking distance of ferry. Buses pick up and drop off at terminal. Taxis are also present.

Every day there is also a ferry from San Jorge to San Jose del Sur, in the west of the island. They are planning to extend the transport to this port.

On Monday and Thursday, a ferry leaves Granada around 2 pm and arrives in Altagracia ( 6 hr ride?) for less then $2 USD.
On Tuesday and Friday there is a ferry coming from San Carlos to the Island (12 hr ride) for about $2,5 USD.

Sometimes it is not a smooth crossing - the ferry gets thrown around quite a lot. If you sit indoors on the boat, be aware that water cam splash in through the windows, even when they are closed so you may get a little wet if sitting by the window!

Get around

Very slow local buses run to most villages on the island. Service is relatively frequent between Moyogalpa and Altagracia (roughly every hour), less so to Balgue and Merida (three or four per day).

You can easily flag down a bus for a ride or the occasional taxi but expect taxis to be expensive.

For travelers with a more liberal budget, renting a motorcycle can be a fun and liberating way to explore the island on your own. There are a few rental outfits in Moyagalpa, and one small operation along the road through Santo Domingo. The best motorbikes and service on the island likely come from an operation run by a guy named Robinson (8691 5044 [email protected]) He speaks perfect English and is very easy to work with. $25 for a motorbike rented out of Moyagalpa and returned to their shop by 6 PM that day. $40 for 24 hours. Also, Robinson will deliver a motorbike as far away as Little Morgan's, outside of Santa Cruz, then come and pick the bike up by 6 PM the same evening. $40 for a bike delivered to your hostel. Or, you can ask him to bring bungee cords with the bike, then tie your bags down at the end of the day and drive yourself back to Moyagalpa for the ferry the next morning. A superb way to get around on a transportationally challenged island.

There are plenty of bicycle rental shops on the island that rent by hour, half day or week.

The road along the isthmus and around Volcan Maderas is in very rough shape.

See

Itineraries

Do

Volcano Concepcion

Options on the island include :

Hike to the top of Volcan Concepcion (~ 8 hours return, strenuous)

Hike to the top of Volcan Maderas to a crater lake (~ 6 hours return, less strenuous)

Hike to a 35-m waterfall on the south side of Maderas (several hours return)

Run the Ultra Fuego y Agua 25km, 50km, 100km or Survival Run Races in February every year

See petroglyphs at the village of Finca El Porvenir

Go horseback riding

Rent a bicycle and explore the island on your own

Rent a motorbike and explore the island on your own

Go fishing

Hire a kayak and explore the lake and one or two of the rivers

Go swimming in the fresh water

Trails are generally unmarked and the terrain is rough. Local guides are inexpensive, good.

If off hiking on your own be aware that many trails are actually being used by locals as a means to work their bean fields,The same beans that are served in the local staple of beans and rice, These beans are of a low growing variety and are barely visibly so please stay on trails so as not to damage their crops.

The island is very large and to go by bicycle around one volcano in one day is very challenging but possible, getting around both volcanoes by motorbike in one day is a little easier but still difficult.

Eat

Cafe Campestre, on the road Before Finca Magdalena. Amazing food cooked with local seasonal and (where possible) organic produce. Great place to meet people and hang out.

Natural, Playa Santo Domingo, [2]. Vegetarian restaurant serving delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Great pastas, curries, stirfries. Dine under a large rancho with a wonderful view of the Maderas volcano.

Sleep

Hostal Ibesa, (near Moyogalpa), [3]. Owned and operated by a friendly and helpful local family, shared room $6 USD per person, your own private room $7 USD, there is also a dorm room which may be even cheaper, very clean and comfortable (prices in April 2013), laundry service.

Finca Magdalena, (near Balgue), [4]. A cooperativly run organic finca. Conditions and food are fairly basic and not that good but the price and the incredible view help to compensate. A hike into the jungle nearby will allow you to witness Howler Monkeys and numerous wild birds. Dorm : 3 USD / Tent or Hammock (bring your own) : 2 USD.

Hospedaje Ortiz, (Altagracia). Cheapest place in town, a block or so from the central plaza. Don Mario, hospedaje owner and well known business leader in Altagracia, deeply cares for his guests, and will sit you down give you honest prices and help you plan your stay on the island no matter where you want to go. Great first stop for a trip to Ometepe.

Casa Istiam, Playa Santo Domingo. A great budget place to stay right across the road from the beach.

Hotel Finca Santo Doming, (Playa Santo Domingo). A more expensive place right on the beach.Approx. 30 USD.

Villa Paraiso, (Playa Santo Domingo). Reputedly the nicest place to stay and probably the most expensive. Tours can be arranged. Bicycle rental available.

Hospedaje Central, From Procredit Bank, 1 block south, ☎2569-4262. Very colorful and friendly atmosphere with free parking lot, internet service, dvd movies, laundry, volunteering opportunities, a restaurant and a bar. Unfortunately the owner is wanted by INTERPOL for Fraud, Kidnapping, etc. Dormitory is basic with bunk beds, its own toilet and shower, lockers and a safe available at reception. Rooms are clean, large, with new beds, fan or AC and private bathroom. However, some travellers report that, despite Lonely Planet's endorsement, theft is a problem, especially in the dormitory rooms where random locals wander in and out through three doors. And the bar/restaurant shares a filthy bathroom with guests and plays loud music until late at night.$2.50 hammock-$3.50 dorm-$5.50 to 9.50 for room.

Hacienda Merida, Merida, Isla de Ometepe (South-western side of the island,), ☎8868-8973 or 2560-0496, [6]. Hacienda Merida is located on the south-western side of the island at the foot of the Volcán Maderas, on the way to the San Ramon waterfall. Formerly one of the most important farms of the Somoza family, today Hacienda offers quiet and relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by a variety of wildlife and animals. The pear at the edge of the lake overlooks the lake Nicaragua with incredible sunrises and a great view of the Volcan Conception. The place is quiet strict about they noise policy and 10pm curfew, but thanks to it you can enjoy birdwatching and chill in beautiful surroundings. The hotel provides a number of clean accommodations varying from hammocks and tents to very comfortable private bath dorms and private bedrooms. Onsite restaurant serves great food including amazing home made veggie burgers and offers breakfast and dinner buffet. Tough, the hotel advocates a peaceful atmosphere, there is plenty to do. You can rent a bike cycle, kayak, arrange a tour to one of the volcanos or nearby Monkey Island and even go sailing, tubing or horse riding. If you're not up for the challenge enjoy the High-Speed internet in the restaurant area or massage by a local. Its worth noting that Hacienda Merida is partly responsible for developing and funding the Ometepe Bilingual School like also actively engaged in number of other enviornmental programs on the island such as Fundacion Ometepe. Volunteering opportunities are always available.

Puesta del sol. The community association invites you to come share the rural lifestyle of 16 families in the community of la Paloma, 1,5 km away from Moyogalpa. You will be able to practise spanish and if you want to, protect environment and help them in their projects.

Hotel Bahia, Primary a restaurant, it also has two rooms in the back after the open fire kitchen. Private with a bathroom with a shower, no sink and a toilet with cushioned seat for 7 USD.

Finca del Sol, Santa Cruz (Ometepe), ☎8364 6394, [7]. An ecological farm offering 3 private cabins, with private bath for rent. Very private, overlooking Volcano Concepcion and Lake Nicaragua. The Cabins are fully screened, with mosquito netting, purified water, TV and DVD - over 100 movies in English, Spanish and Italian to choose from. We are 100% solar powered and have a composting toilet system. Located a 10 min walk from the trailhead to Volcano Madaras and a few minutes from the best beach on the island, we are a great choice for the adventurer wishing for a little more comfort. On the farm we raise tropical sheep, grow rice, fruits and veggies.Mid price range - We have a maximum occupancy of 10 guests, so reservations are highly recommended. Visit our website for more info

American Cafe and Hotel, Moyogalpa (Two blocks up main street from ferry). Owners Simone and Robert have created a delightful little oasis on the main drag, several blocks up from the ferry landing. Spotless and spacious, the AC & H is a daily gathering spot for tourists and locals alike. Robert can usually be found somewhere near the front door greeting visitors while Simone commands the kitchen, where remarkable things are created. Simone's Italian, 'nuff said. The rates are incredibly affordable. The exterior of the building is kind of bland. But don't let the outside decor fool you, this is THE place to stay on ometepe for safety, guidance, and a good night's sleep.

Hospedaje Soma (Hospedaje Soma), Frente Instituto R.Smith Moyogalpa (From the dock head up main street and one block in front of the catholic church turn to the left. Follow the street for about 400m and you will see Soma on the left hand side.), [8]. checkin: 12pm; checkout: 11am. Hotel Hospedaje Soma is located in Moyogalpa on Ometepe Island. With only a ten minutes walk to the dock of Moyogalpa Hospedaje Soma is a bit away from sometimes noisy ´downtown´ but still in reach of all neccesary services which provides the village. This really quiet place offers a dormitory $7 per person, private rooms $22 with shared bathrooms, $29 with private bathroom and cabins with private bathroom from $40 to $50 with AC. The rate for all private rooms includes a standard breakfast. The Hotel has a nice and cozy tropical garden with some space to hang out and chill and provides free WIFI for its clients. Soma offers a laundry service and tours and hikes can be organized from there. Please note that they only accept reservations by email hospedajesoma(at)gmail.com$7 - $50.

Little Morgan´s, Santa Cruz (300m towards Balgue from Santa Cruz junction), ☎505 861107973, [9]. Beautiful accomodation, bar and restaurant. Owned by Morgan (the fun Irish guy) and run by a lovely Australian couple. All types of accomodation catered for with hammocks, dorms and private casitas. It is set amongst tropical tress feeling like a real paradise, and is on the lake, so is perfect for a swim and then relax by the bar or in a hammock. The bar has a pool table and is the most happening place at night. The dorms are far enough away though that you can sleep if you need to. Great food and great people. They offer everything from horseriding to remedial massage. A wonderful pace to stay, see www.littlemorgans.com for pictures and more information.$3-$30.

Xalli, Ometepe Beach Hotel, Communidat San Fernando, ☎505 25694876, [10]. checkin: 1pm; checkout: 11am. The nice hotel called Xalli is found at the beach called Santo Domingo in the community of San Fernando. Only 800 meters from the hotel Villa Paraiso. The place is very central to the most common activities (inside 4 kms) in Ometepe: swimming at 'Ojo de Agua', the beach with the white sand called Santo Domingo, the good old Finca Magdalena, the 'Humedal de Istian' and the forest 'Nebliselva' of the vulcano Maderas which to walk on is the major activity for visitors. The privileged position near the road between the two volcanoes allows you to get around by feed or by public transport.

Rooms in several nice small private houses.

Price range: 35-75 US$.

Breakfast included.

Internet included. Very fast for the island (~2MBit).

Access to the beach, Rancho, Hammocks, ...

35-75.

Hotel Sinai, San Jose Del Sur (Along the main road, near the ferry of San Jose del Sur). A nice relaxed hostel/hotel/restaurant. Not a resort type, more aimed at backpackers. Services are basic, but rooms are very clean, the food is good, prices are low and the personnel is very friendly and helpful.

Yogi's Hostel, Moyogalpa (From the ferry, 3 blocks up, 2 to the right - blue building). checkin: Anytime; checkout: 11:00 am. Low key hostel, with free WiFi, hammocks, clean rooms, good staff. Great place to stay coming into or leaving the island before jumping on the long ride on the chicken bus to the other side of the island.$6 - 15.

Drink

Little Morgan´s, Santa Cruz (300m towards Balgue past Santa Cruz junction), ☎505 8611 7973, [11]. The only place around with a pool table and cable TV. Beautiful surroundings with fun atmosphere at night. Beer, wine and spirits available from $2-$3.

Stay Safe

The trails are not marked so if don't know the island, it is best to hire a guide. They are usually cheap and can give you so much help. Many people have gotten lost climbing the volcanoes and the trails are small. There are no services and help is hard to come by when climbing one of the mountains, so bring what you need before hand.

Thanks to the fact that it's an island which is kind of easy to check traffic of persons it is, in comparison to the rest of Nicaragua, pretty safe.

Minor annoyance such as kids begging for money may happen, but in a day, many locals will greet you and are happy to help you.

Some locals report that there is some danger when climbing the top of Concepcion because of the activity that exist in the top. It is important to take a guide and make sure that if you notice anything suspicious, get away.